The
Mosquito Lagoon runs as far North as New Smyrna
Beach and runs South into Titusville, which is
adjacent to part of the Canaveral National Seashore
and Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Mosquito
Lagoon is known world wide for its large redfish
and sea trout. It has been named "Redfish
Capital of the World." You may not see it
at first, but this estuary is full of life. Many
of the fish, shrimp, clams and oysters spend part
or all of their lives in this estuary.
The
shallow waters, salt marshes, sea grasses and
mangrove roots provide excellent hiding places
from larger predators. Some species grow in estuaries
for a short time and depend on the waters for
various reasons. Sea turtles spend their adolescent
years growing up in the lagoon. Manatees come
to eat the tender grasses that grow on the lagoon's
floor. Birds nest in the mangrove trees, and dolphins
feeding on the schools of fish. Schools of Redfish
over 40 pounds are not uncommon during certain
times of the year. Most of the Lagoon is tide
free, and that means you don't have to wait for
the bite to turn on.
The
Mosquito Lagoon is a long, narrow, estuary that
is bordered on the east by a barrier island and
on the west by the mainland and is connected to
the Indian River Lagoon via the Haulover canal
near Titsuville. Mosquito Lagoon has been designated
an Outstanding Florida Water by the State of Florida
and, as part of the Indian River Lagoon, an Estuary
of National Significance by the Environmental
Protection Agency. It is renown for its outstanding
biological diversity, recreational fishery and
as habitat for several federally-protected animals.
Lagoon waters are classified as Class II which
is suitable for shellfish (clam and oyster) propagation
and harvesting.
Since
the lagoon ecosystem is based heavily on healthy
seagrass beds, water clarity is essential. Grass
beds require light to conduct photosynthesis.
Water that is clouded with silt or organic matter,
including algal blooms caused by high levels of
nutrients, prevent light penetration and limit
the growth of seagrass. Water clarity in Mosquito
Lagoon is very good in the winter and early spring
but decreases in the summer and fall.
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